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Childhood Developmental Disorders

Language Delay

Department of Health Child Assessment Service Developmental Disorders Series “Language Delay”

I. What is Language Delay? Children may be regarded as having language delay if they fail to attain the following language abilities at specific ages: 1 to 1.5 years Say commonly used words 2 years Combine words together 2.5 years Use more vocabulary and speak in complete sentences Begin to ask questions 3 years Say one’s own name and age Talk about daily happenings in simple sentences 4 years Understand simple stories Retell events with more detail Frequent asking of questions, e.g. “Why?” 5 years Begin to understand jokes and solve riddles Ask more abstract questions

II. What causes Language Delay? Language learning in children is mainly affected by the following factors: Inborn language ability, Hearing ability, Attentiveness, Intelligence, Oral motor ability In addition, the lack of appropriate language learning environment is also a common cause of language delay in children. For example: ● Over-protection by caregivers reduces child’s opportunity to learn to communicate ● Lack of role model in communication ● Multiple languages used in communicating with children

III. The effect of multilingual environment on language development of children: ? During early stages of language learning, children exposed to multilingual environment need more time to comprehend languages. ? However, children without impairments will gradually adapt when they are exposed to more listening and speaking experience. ? To avoid confusion, adults should refrain from using multiple languages simultaneously in a sentence when talking to the children Individual family members are encouraged to be consistent in using the same language when communicating with his/her child. For example, ? a parent may use Cantonese only ? the maid English only.

IV. Does your child have the following symptoms? Age Comprehension Expression 1 year Unresponsive to speech or environmental sound Cannot vocalise in string of syllables 2 years No response when their names are called Unable to follow simple verbal instructions, e.g. “give to mummy ” Cannot say single words 2.5 Years Cannot understand simple questions, e.g. “do you want it?”, “yes or no ?” Cannot combine words, e.g. “blows bubbles”, “Daddy shoes” 3 years Cannot understand questions like “where?”, “who?”, etc. Cannot complete sentences in daily conversation, e.g. “I want biscuit” 4 years Cannot understand complicated instructions Cannot comprehend simple stories or cartoons Cannot retell events in simple words Cannot give answers appropriately Make frequent mistakes in organising sentences. 5 years Cannot understand more complicated instructions Cannot comprehend complicated stories Cannot retell simple stories in an organised way Still make mistakes in choosing words or organising sentences.

V. What can parents do if their child has symptoms of Language Delay? ● Be alert to any deviations in the child’s physical, intellectual and hearing development. ● Be aware of the child’ s emotional/behavioural features. Over dependence, withdrawal or impatience might hinder his/her learning to communicate ● If the child cannot understand what is being said, parents can repeat and explain with gestures ● Before the child can imitate words, parents can allow him/her to express himself/herself by using gestures ● Enhance child’s motivation to communicate through activities and games that would arouse his/her interest. ● Make use of daily happenings as topics when talking to the child. ● Encourage the child to express his/her needs and listen to him/her patiently. ● Consider early admission to school to enrich the language learning environment. If necessary, parents should seek professional assistance as soon as possible

VI. Where can parents seek help if their child is suspected to have Language Delay? Preliminary Screening Maternal and Child Health Centres / Paediatric departments of hospitals / Private practitioners Further Assessment Child Assessment Centres Treatment, Training and Education Medical service ● Speech therapy Social Welfare Department ● Early Education and Training Centres ● Integrated Programme in Child Care Centres ● Special Child Care Centres Education Bureau ● Speech Therapy Services Section

Enquiry Numbers and Related Websites Government Bureau / Departments: Department of Health Child Assessment Service 2246 6633 www.dhcas.gov.hk Family Health Service 2961 8855 (Maternal and Child Health Centres) www.fhs.gov.hk Social Welfare Department 2343 2255 www.swd.gov.hk Education Bureau 2891 0088 (24-Hour Hotline) http://serc.edb.gov.hk Special Education and Special Schools Special Education Resource Centre Other Organisations Hospital Authority 2300 6555 (General Enquiry) www.ha.org.hk The Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists www.speechtherapy.org.hk Clinics of the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, the University of Hong Kong www.hku.hk/speech/clinic
 

 

 

 
     
 
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Last revision date: 02 October 2009